WINTER PINK & GREY

We've been looking at houses in Claremont and passed by this little park that ended up being the perfect backdrop for this week's photos.  Ever since I saw a fireplace made with stacking stones, I've been obsessed with it.  So when I saw the stacking stone wall, I just had to stop and take some photos there.  I've been looking for a pink wool jacket this winter and I finally found one that fits me!  It's so warm and comfy.  This shade of pink matches casually with jeans and drapes elegantly over a dress.  I can never say no to versatility.  

The fabric feels like mohair but it's soft and not irritating to the skin at all.  It is lined.  It is 30% wool, 25% polyester, 23% alpaga, and 15% mohair.  Very warm and comfortable.  Was on sale for $39.99!

Zara coat with funnel collar $39.99  xs  (similar) (equally cute) 

~Staying warm this winter~

STYLES FOR LESS: LOFT and TARGET WINTER SWEATERS

Happy Holidays!  With the weather getting cold, I started to look for some nice winter sweaters.  Came across some sweaters from Target and found them to be very similar to the ones in loft.  What do you think?  Worth paying more for the brand name?

COMPARISON: LOFT's jeweled 3/4 sleeve sweater vs. Target's embellished Crew Neck Pullover Sweater - Merona

 

LOFT's jeweled 3/4 sleeve sweater

Orig: 69.50, now on sale 54.99, now additional 40% off no code needed =$33

Target's embellished Crew Neck Pullover Sweater - Merona

Orig. 27.99, now 16.79, additional 10% off with red card = $15

Left: Target jewels

Right: Loft jewels

COMPARISON: Target's Embellished Crew Neck Pullover Sweater - Merona vs. Loft's jeweled ribbed sweater

 Loft's jeweled ribbed sweater

$69.50, now 50% off without code = $35

Target's Embellished Crew Neck Pullover Sweater - Merona

Orig 27.99, now $16.79, additonal 10% off with red card = $15

Top: Loft's 

Bottom: Target's

THE DIFFERENCES:

1. The differences are very subtle.  The jewels in Loft's sweaters have encasements to secure the jewels.  Both Target and Loft's jewels are individually sewn on.  Meaning both are secure but you will be able to see the thread if you look closely on the Target sweater.  

2. Material and care instructions 

Loft sweater - since the Loft sweaters contain either 30% wool or 10% silk, the care instructions have adviced to hand wash and lay flat to dry.  The target sweaters are made in cotton, rayon, and nylon.  Therefore, you may machine wash in cold and tumble try, and it's okay to iron.

3. Cost - I'm stating the obvious here.  You are paying more for the wool/silk/jewel incasement.  

4. sizing - I'm happy that Target's xs is running smaller.  Target's XS fits me just as well as Loft's PXS or PXXS.  

FINAL verdict: I personally hate hand washing clothes.  I like tossing my sweaters in a net bag and wash in cold water, followed by tumble dry in my dryer.  It just makes life a little easier.  Also, if you have kids, your clothes are bound to get dirty and it will hurt to get stains you can't remove on an expensive sweater.  For practical reasons, I will pick Target sweaters over Loft.  But, both are pretty and great choices for the holidays.  Happy shopping everyone!

Other wardrobe staples from Target I would recommend,

1. Ultrasoft Tunic V Neck Sweater - Mossimo $14.99 

2. Mossimo V neck pull over sweater $11.99

3. chunky chunky layering cardigan sweater $17.99 (similar to the waterfall jacket in Loft)

4. favorite V neck cardigan sweater $13.79 

Stay warm everyone! 

FASHION FOR LESS: SALE SALE SALE

Yupe, this post is about all the dirt cheap sales I saw TODAY.  So I'm going to start with Banana Republic's peplum dress.  I tried on the black one in store and LOVED it.  If you are petite like me, go check it out.  If it fits me, chances are that it will fit you too.

Banana Republic Lightweight wool peplum dress $150, BUT, $90 for black, and additional 40% off with code BRLUCKY (expires today! 3/17/14) = total: $54 and $58 including tax.  So girls, $54 for a $150 wool dress is a steal in my opinion.  The cutting was gorgeous and the peplum really flatters the petite body or less curvy ladies.  Yes, peplum is in again this year.  Even Vera Wang used peplum in her wedding gown design this year. :)

Next up, Ann Taylor LOFT.
I guess additional 40% off their items is nothing new.  I see additional 40% off every time I walk by Loft.  There are some final sale items I saw that was SO cheap, I had to share with you!

$24.99 Final Sale in store, 40% off does not apply. (similar, similar)

If you are petite, the length is just right.  I'm wearing a 00p in this picture and it's kind of loose.  Maybe that's the style.  I really loved the pattern though.  Just wished that it was a little more form fitting so I don't look like a tube from the side or in the front.  But, if you are curvier, this might not look as loose and can be a lovely work appropriate dress for $24.99!  

This sweater's color is a nice heather grey for $21 with the 40% off.

I don't know how well you can see the design but it has tiny little holes that runs down the middle.  This is a regular XS.  I would prefer one size down personally.  Nonetheless, I decided to post this because it's a pretty good deal for someone else!

Burgundy Cords sexy boot.  $10 in store (more expensive online)

For size reference, these are 24, 00.  Very stretchy, comfy, and has a slim bootcut on the bottom.  It's a dark burgundy but much lighter in person.  If I didn't have a couple pair of burgundy pants already, I would have bought these in a heart beat.  I love burgundy.  It matches with so many colors.  Very versatile!

Blue skirt, $20 including the 40% off. (cheaper in store)

I really love this blue.  Picture on the right is how it fits on me (size 00 reg.).  It's definitely not the best fit.  On the left, I pulled it in a little to see how it would look if I bust out my sewing machine.  I think this skirt has great potential.  It is made out of very nice material and it is lined.  This item is not on final sale.  I'm debating if I should return this.  But, I really do love this color and fabric! :) What do you think?

That's it for today!

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